Wreath making at Christmas might not initially seem like something you might consider to be part of your healing journey. However, what I have learned is that actually taking yourself out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in making and producing art and craft items can be incredibly good for helping you practice a sort of mindful meditative process, and also The social aspect can’t be overlooked in terms of how good that is for mental health.
For a long time I struggled with the reality of my social anxiety. For many years, I wasn’t anxious about social situations. Perhaps it was youth perhaps it was a sort of Privado. Perhaps it was the fact that so often I was supporting my low self-confidence with alcohol, but in this new world post Covid, I’m trying to find myself and get used to being in environments whether people interacting making noises communicating with each other and with me and such I really do feel like I’m at the beginning of my learning experience. Deciding that I was going to trade my own assistance dog has had many benefits getting me to go out more, but on this occasion today, it was all about catching up with an old friend and doing something that was really Christmasy
I’ve been friends with J for almost 2 years and I’m incredibly blessed that he has always understood my health condition. He has listened to me when I’ve explained about the side-effects and symptoms of my medication and on the not so great days when I haven’t been able to meet up I’ve been flaky or perhaps out of sorts he’s been really understanding. He’s also been incredibly generous as he knows that at this point in my life money is tight and I’m having to make decisions about where I spend what little I have. So today was a treat from him and all in all it was the most gorgeous gift he could’ve given me
Our local pub had advertised they were going to do wreath making and the price was more than I could afford. Included in the cost was also a cocktail and the brief and non-specific mention of food as such the kind of Hope we had was that perhaps a mince pie or two. we were in for a big surprise.
Alongside the Christmas wreath tuition, we were served, mould wine and I was given a non-alcoholic option. Then post the creative process. The food began to arrive. We were spoiled.
the Harbour House is known for its food and I have eaten there once before but this selection small plates blew me away. The combination of flavours textures tastes were a feast and I won’t mind admitting that when they came round and offered an extra half scotch egg with melted inside with pheasant meat on the outside, I jumped at the chance to be glutinous
But why am I someone who is so passionate about fasting and eating carefully and is considered mindful way telling you about a meal that I had out? It’s because for me food is an absolute gift to the senses. presentation can be amazing. flavours and tastes can be sublime. sharing delicious food can make the most wonderful memories. Because in the world we so often so much out of our control the way we choose to experience food can do a lot to help improve our mood and alongside that our health. Many people on many different diets and protocols will tell you that it can work with an 8020 split and today I was definitely enjoying the 20. A mince pie with a golden pastry, with just a right amount of crispy flakiness, sweet and fruity innards, then had brilliant contrast of an escalope Local clotted cream. Yum.
Christmas Wreath Workshop
How was it healing?